State Councilor Hua
Jianmin said in Beijing Friday that reforms of the government's
administrative examination and approval system, and wider changes
to government administration, must be pushed forward.
"We must consolidate the gains we have made and guard against
anything that might undermine our efforts," he said.
Hua said the reforms are part of wider ongoing reform of
administrative management, and will help improve the development of
the socialist market economy and prevent corruption.
He said the government should focus more on key issues and
clarify the tasks of specific departments.
Up to now, central and provincial governments have reduced or
changed about half of the things that once needed administrative
approval. This has helped rein in government powers and standardize
practices.
Hua praised the ongoing reform as having greatly improved
government functions and helped create a new model of
administration.
"Most important, it makes life easier for the masses," he
said.
He said that?the State Council should enhance the work done
so far and that local governments should effectively adapt the
reforms to their own situations.
(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2005)